Ben White and Mikel Merino Injury Updates as Duo Misses Arsenal Draw to Palace

Arsenal suffered a setback in their Premier League match against Crystal Palace because key players Ben White and Mikel Merino were absent from the squad. This latest Arsenal injury update focuses on the team’s challenges with player fitness and squad depth.

Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that both players were unfit to participate due to issues arising after their previous game against Ipswich Town, where Arsenal secured a 4-0 victory.

Merino has been a standout performer for Arsenal in recent weeks, contributing three goals and three assists in seven appearances. His absence was particularly felt, as he has been filling the role of a striker amidst an injury crisis.

Meanwhile, Ben White, who recently returned from knee surgery, has only managed three appearances in 2025 and continues to grapple with fitness concerns.

Arteta expressed disappointment over their unavailability, stating, “They couldn’t be involved – if not, they would have been involved. Unfortunately, after the game [against Ipswich] we had some issues and they are not fit.”

The manager also hinted at the importance of their recovery ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain next week. These injuries underline the importance of this Arsenal injury update for fans concerned about the Gunners’ prospects in upcoming fixtures.

Despite their absence, Arsenal managed a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, with goals from Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard. However, defensive errors, including one from William Saliba, allowed Palace to equalize late in the game. This Arsenal injury update emphasizes the difficulties Arsenal faces in maintaining momentum during a critical stage of the season.

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